Creating a mindful culture

As part of NHSGGC’s A Healthier Place to Work campaign, Mindfulness training has been helping our staff to reduce their stress levels and feel more resilient.

Mindfulness Taster sessions and eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Courses have been running since January 2016. More than 400 staff have attended a taster session and about 200 staff have benefited from the full course. More are planned across our hospital sites in the coming six months – keep an eye on StaffNet for more details.

An external evaluation found that the courses helped in reducing the stress levels of participants and recommended the continuation of courses for staff, alongside a strategic approach that would encourage the organisation to develop a mindful culture.

Some of our participants have commented: “I have changed my life since the course. I cope better with stressful situations and the issues that arise.”

“I attended the sessions at Cowlairs and I loved them. They were the best part of my week, being able to have two hours (guilt free) of ‘me’ time and the opportunity to meet some amazing friendly people and learn a new skill. I would highly recommend the mindfulness sessions for anyone. I think even to have the knowledge that you as an individual have the ability to control your emotions and reactions has been a very valuable tool.”

“I have a much healthier perspective on life and work and have found some confidence and belief in my ability and knowledge that I am doing a great job again– something I was always proud of a few years ago.”

Mindfulness was added to the existing suite of activities to tackle stress at work including a Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy, Stress Risk Assessments, training for managers and training and awareness sessions for staff.